According to discussions at the Economic Development Commission (EDC) meeting on Wednesday, Jan. 21, the idea to create an outdoor performance space at Schenck’s Island is being resurrected. The EDC and a new nonprofit group started by Wilton residents hope to see the idea become a reality.
The concept was considered in early 2020 by the Schenck’s Island/Merwin Meadows Committee (SIMM), which was tasked with developing a plan for improvements for both town spaces. The SIMM Committee recommended a band shell/performance stage for Schenck’s Island, but the concept was never pursued.
EDC Commissioner Marty Avallone spoke with GOOD Morning Wilton about his effort to get some momentum going for what he envisions as “a place where the town can come together.”
“It would be awesome,” Avallone said. “Obviously that area is very, very beautiful — a great setting for cultural events [and] not just music, but dance, theater” and more.
Avallone anticipates that the project will face some high hurdles, including “a vast number of approvals” from Wilton land use boards — notably the Inland Wetlands Commission, given the location along the flood-prone Norwalk River which presents challenges for construction for any kind. (Even plans to create a nature-themed playground at Schenck’s were scrapped due, at least in part, to the challenges posed by flooding.)
“I anticipate that there’ll be some people who will be opposed to it,” Avallone said, noting that he welcomed feedback in the hopes of understanding any opposition.
One person who likes the idea is First Selectman Toni Boucher, who confirmed she has had discussions with Avallone about proceeding to develop a proposal. Though she called it “one of the more viable ideas” she’s heard, her support is conditional upon some big questions that still need to be answered.
“I do like the idea — if it is feasible, if it’s practical, and it could be sustained,” Boucher said. “How would it work? How much would it cost? Would it be able to be sustained there, without running into the problems we have had with flooding?”
“We have to really verify if it’s feasible with the land there… That’s the most important thing,” she said, adding “it would be great” if the Schenck’s Island location proved suitable.
There could be competition for the space. In a string of its most recent meetings, including on Jan. 14, the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting revealed PRC is also pursuing a location within Schenck’s Island for a dog park.
Avallone noted another challenge for a performance venue would be identifying a resource to coordinate the events.
“One of the bigger challenges that we will have is making sure that there’s someone whose role is an event coordinator,” he said.
Avallone surmised a coordinator could found in the Parks and Recreation Department or potentially an outside entity, such as the Wilton Library, which is already accustomed to hosting large events — or perhaps another nonprofit.
Avallone informed the EDC that he has formed a new nonprofit, Schenck’s Island Association, a 501(c)(3) entity, with an eye toward marshaling the effort and, importantly, the fundraising that would most likely be required.
The entity names three board directors: Avallone and two other Wilton residents, Andy Schlesinger (of “Wilton Rocks for Food” fame) and Tom Clark.
According to Avallone, the board is actively seeking additional volunteers, particularly a treasurer and an architect to develop the design and cost estimates.
Avallone expects the EDC’s role to be one of support and advocacy for the project, consistent with the EDC’s mission to enhance quality of life for residents and support local merchants. He believes a Schenck’s Island performance venue will accomplish both.
“People could walk there. There will be a draw, even drawing residents from outside of the town,” he said.
He framed the current effort as taking action to carry out a previously vetted idea for improving Schenck’s Island.
“The Schencks Island/Merwin Meadows [Committee] worked on this for a couple years… to design what should be done there,” he said. “A stage was considered part of the plan.”
“So, yeah, this is about executing what was in the [SIMM] plan,” he continued. “It’s a small first step but we gotta get it going.”